Canada calls for stronger economic ties with India

PTIApr 19, 2008, 03.27pm IST

TORONTO: Seeking stronger economic ties with India, Canada has announced that it would open two new trade offices in Hyderabad and Kolkata.

Canada is committed to strengthening ties with New Delhi for mutual benefit, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on Friday, adding his government has taken a number of steps to improve trade relations with India, an emerging economic superpower.

Harper stated this while presenting the Global India award to Sam Pitroda for his contributions to improving telecommunication services in India. The award, instituted by Canada India Foundation, carries $ 50,000.

Former President Abdul Kalam was also present on the occasion, apart from R L Narayan, the High Commissioner of India, and over 500 top Canadian executives and politicians.

"Canada simply cannot afford to miss out on India's phenomenal economic growth. That's why our government is putting so much emphasis on improving trade and investment between our countries," Harper said.

The Prime Minister announced that Canada will open two new trade offices in India. The offices will be in Hyderabad, gateway to southern India's Information-Communications Technology hub, and Kolkata, the main business, commercial, financial, and transportation centre of eastern India.

To further enhance trade and investment ties, the government will also post additional commissioners at the established offices in Mumbai and Delhi.